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Home > 2009-10 Season > Match Reports > AFC Fylde (22.09.09)

MATCH REPORT

AFC Fylde 2 Bamber Bridge 1

Northern Premier League Challenge Cup 1st Round

at Kellamergh Park, Warton

Tuesday 22nd September 2009

By Dave Rowland

Bamber Bridge fell at the first hurdle in this season’s League Challenge Cup competition following a goal in time added-on by their hosts. Richie Allen scored each of Fylde’s goals in a hard fought encounter with former Brig hero Alex Porter providing the ammunition for both. After a reasonably good start by the visitors, Fylde got on top in the first 45 minutes and deservedly went in at the break a goal to the good. However, Brig were a different proposition in the second period and drew level early on, only to fall at the lat minute as extra-time loomed large.

Brig arrived at Kellamergh Park, for their first ever visit, looking to extend their winning sequence to three games following recent victories over Clitheroe and Prescot Cables in the league. Fylde, who are spending their first ever season in the Northern Premier League after winning promotion as North West Counties League champions last term, were hoping to continue along winning ways following their 1-0 win at home against Rossendale United in the First Division North on Saturday. This was the first ever competitive derby between these Lancashire neighbours.

Tony Greenwood made three changes to the starting line-up that did so well at Valerie Park at the weekend. Mathew Bell came in at right-back replacing James Heywood. Phil Eastwood was introduced into the front line with Craig Sargeson moving into midfield as a replacement for the injured Ryan-Zico Black. Mitchell Bailey was drafted into midfield in preference to Chris Marlow. Heywood and Marlow were named amongst the substitutes and both players entered the fray before 25 minutes were up.

Both sides opened on a brisk note with plenty of enterprise to entertain the spectators, but the first meaningful chance fell to the visitors when Brig’s Phil Denney latched onto a long ball cleverly knocked over the Fylde defence by Mitchell Bailey, but Denney put his effort wide of the goal.

The home side enjoyed a period of pressure with Brig full-back Lee Pryers clearing a shot off the goal-line following a goalmouth scramble, before Fylde opened their account on 20 minutes with a superbly worked goal. Former Brig man Alex Porter sent in a fine pass from deep which split the visitors rearguard wide open and RICHIE ALLEN was on hand to drive home from about eight yards out on the right.

The goal stunned the visitors for a while before they gathered themselves and responded. A fine Eastwood effort from distance, just past the half-hour mark, went narrowly wide following good work by Denney.

However, Fylde were enjoying most of the territorial advantage with the ever dangerous Porter prominent. Indeed, he was dreadfully unfortunate on 41 minutes when the ball got stuck under his feet in front of goal after a fine cross by Mike Barnes, and Brig goalkeeper Mike Hale was able to gather safely. Just before the break Chris Downey brought a fine diving save out of the Brig goalkeeper with a full-blooded drive from the edge of the box.

Bamber Bridge came out in a more determined mood in the second-half as they earnestly went in search of parity, and they did not have long to wait. The visitors endeavours paid dividends on 53 minutes when they drew level after the Fylde defence fatally hesitated as they waited for the off-side whistle. Phil Denney touched the ball into space across the face of goal and midfielder ASHLEY DUNN timed his run perfectly before drawing Fylde goalkeeper Nathan Worrell from his line and firing home confidently for his fifth goal of the season.

It was now Brig’s turn to make most of the running and Fylde began to look vulnerable for the first time in the match. However, they remained dangerous and an overhead kick by Phil Doughty from a Barnes corner-kick on 68 minutes brought a fine save out of Hale.

Brig’s defence looked solid and their hosts were now depending on shots from well outside the penalty area.

A three man move almost paid off for Bamber Bridge on 70 minutes when Heywood’s cross was neatly laid off by Neil Reynolds, but Eastwood snatched at the chance and his effort flew over the crossbar.

Fylde had a couple of late chances which came to nothing as the game moved inextricably towards extra-time before the game ended on a dramatic note. Alex Porter played a neat one-two down the left with RICHIE ALLEN before the home striker buried his shot into the far corner of the net from an acute angle and the Kellamergh Park side were in the draw for the Second Round.

Bamber Bridge: Mike Hale, Mathew Bell (James Heywood 23mins), Lee Pryers, Martin Moran, Phil Robinson, Ashley Dunn, Craig Sargeson (Chris Marlow 14mins), Neil Reynolds, Phil Denney, Phil Eastwood, Mitchell Bailey. Unused subs: Colin McAllister

Goals: Ashley Dunn (53 mins)

Team: Nathan Worrell, Neil Uberschar, Sam Nightingale, Phil Doughty, Doug Shaw, Steve Palmer, Adam Nowland (Danny Penswick 73mins), Richie Allen, Mike Barnes, Chris Downey (Paul Fildes 65mins), Alex Porter. Unsed Subs: Matt Mahoney, Michael Horsfall, Matt Walwyn

AFC Fylde: Richie Allen (13, 90mins)

Attendance: 181